How to Style a Buffet Table

A buffet table is a classic piece of furniture that many people have in their homes. It can provide lots of storage for serving pieces, table linens, and other accessories. Learning how to style a buffet table also brings with it an amazing opportunity to create an eye catching style moment in your home.

Figuring out how to style a buffet table can feel overwhelming, especially if yours is a large size. What types of accessories will look best on your buffet? How should these accessories be arranged? Do you need to fill up all of the space, or leave some room for your décor to breathe?

If you’re looking for tips on how to style a buffet table, look no further! This post will bring you some easy design principles to follow, along with nine different ways that I personally styled the buffet in my living room.

How to Style a Buffet Table: Design Principles to Follow

Design Principle #1: Symmetry vs Asymmetry

When decorating a buffet, you can opt for a symmetrical look or an asymmetrical one. Neither is the wrong choice, but they both have a different effect.

Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and creates a very intentional and finished look. You can create symmetry with a pair of matching lamps, a pair of topiaries, or another matching set of accessories such as Staffordshire dogs.

Asymmetry creates a more laid back vibe for your buffet. If you opt for this look, you’ll still want ot create a sense of balance, which will be discussed further later in this post.

You can opt for perfect symmetry or you can have a few symmetrical elements combined with asymmetrical ones for a more middle ground approach.

Design Principle #2: Balance

Even if you don’t opt for perfect symmetry, you’ll want to achieve a sense of balance with your design. Items on either side of your buffet should have similar heights and visual weights. In this specific example, I placed a book under the floral arrangement. The opposite tray takes up a lot of space, and the book helps the floral arrangement take up more space.

In the next example, you’ll see that the bust and the birdcage are taking up about the same amount of space, creating balance despite the fact that they are not the same object.

Design Principle #3: Minimalist vs Maximalist

You can opt for a very clean, minimal look, such as pairing this lamp with two topiaries. It’s simple and elegant.

You can also opt for a super full look with lots of accessories. Either option can look fabulous, and what you choose is up to your preference. I always believe that more is more and I tend to pack lots of things into my buffet. The following photo is how I actually have my buffet table styled as I write this post.

How to Style a Buffet Table: Choosing Accessories 

What exactly can you put on a buffet table? There are so many options when it comes to the accessories and knock knacks you can use to style your buffet. The most obvious thing you can start with is a lamp or pair of lamps. What I like to do is to lay a foundation with my lamps and then fill in the gaps.

You can use:

• Floral arrangements 
• Topiaries
• Birdcages
• Candle sticks
• Decanters/Bottles of wine and spirits
• Bowls
• Books
• Artwork
• Trays

I hope this gives you plenty of inspiration as to how you can style your own buffet! Which styling option was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

To see what the rest of my living room looks like, check out my living room tour.